Just hours before heading to Coverciano for national team duty, Nicolò Barella spent an afternoon in Milan with Juan Lebrón, one of the stars of the Oysho Milano Premier Padel P1 tournament. The event, hosted at the Allianz Cloud, began yesterday and will conclude on Sunday the 12th.
Barella, midfielder for Inter and a regular with the Italian national team, had already shown interest in padel last year when he attended the tournament as a spectator. This time, he met Lebrón again at a club near the arena, racquet in hand and ready to reconnect.
An Exchange of Symbols
The meeting wasn’t just casual. Lebrón gifted Barella his padel racquet, while Barella responded with a signed number 18 Italy jersey, complete with a personal message: “To Lobo, with appreciation and sympathy.”
The exchange was shared on social media, where Lebrón wrote: “Thanks, brother.” Barella replied: “Thanks to you, champ.”
From LeBron James to Juan Lebrón
Barella has worn the number 23 shirt at Inter for years, inspired by basketball legend LeBron James. But his recent interest in padel has introduced him to another LeBron—Juan, known as “Lobo” on the court. Their connection blends sport, admiration, and a shared passion for excellence, just before Barella shifts focus to Italy’s upcoming matches.
